What causes panic attacks, and how can you prevent them? - Cindy J. Aaronson
5,114,513 Views
17,727 Questions Answered
Let’s Begin…
Countless poets and writers have tried to put words to the experience of a panic attack— a sensation so overwhelming, many people mistake it for a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening crisis. Studies suggest that almost a third of us will experience at least one panic attack in our lives. So what exactly is a panic attack, and can we prevent them? Cindy J. Aaronson investigates.
Create and share a new lesson based on this one.
About TED-Ed Animations
TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »
Meet The Creators
- Educator Cindy J. Aaronson
- Director AIM Creative Studios, Vicente Nirō
- Narrator Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Storyboard Artist Vicente Nirō
- Animator André Cunha, Cristina Neto
- AIM Creative Studios Producer Tom Knight
- Sound Designer André Aires
- Music André Aires
- Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
- Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
- Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
- Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
- Script Editor Emma Bryce
- Fact-Checker Eden Girma
Ellen Lavergne
Lesson completed
Do certain people have a predisposition to panic attacks?
Comments are closed on this discussion.
Olivia Jung
Lesson completed
I agree with the other answers, the video explained that people with OCD and PTSD may develop panic attacks, but you do not have to have a predisposition to have a panic attack.
Kyra Andresen
Lesson completed
People that are diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder, as well as people diagnosed with OCD are predisposed.
Alexis Budyach
Lesson in progress
I believe so. I think it's less of a predisposition to panic attacks and more of a predisposition to the mental illnesses that cause them. Anxiety disorders are genetic, so if a parent has an anxiety disorder, then an individual is more likely to get panic attacks. Panic attacks can also be caused by environmental factors, so people in more stressful situations, such as poverty and abuse, are more predisposed to panic attacks than others.